US6418247B1 - Fiber optic switch and associated methods - Google Patents
Fiber optic switch and associated methods Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US6418247B1 US6418247B1 US09/657,724 US65772400A US6418247B1 US 6418247 B1 US6418247 B1 US 6418247B1 US 65772400 A US65772400 A US 65772400A US 6418247 B1 US6418247 B1 US 6418247B1
- Authority
- US
- United States
- Prior art keywords
- optical
- fiber optic
- outputs
- rotatable
- optic switch
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Expired - Lifetime
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Classifications
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G02—OPTICS
- G02B—OPTICAL ELEMENTS, SYSTEMS OR APPARATUS
- G02B26/00—Optical devices or arrangements for the control of light using movable or deformable optical elements
- G02B26/02—Optical devices or arrangements for the control of light using movable or deformable optical elements for controlling the intensity of light
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G02—OPTICS
- G02B—OPTICAL ELEMENTS, SYSTEMS OR APPARATUS
- G02B6/00—Light guides; Structural details of arrangements comprising light guides and other optical elements, e.g. couplings
- G02B6/24—Coupling light guides
- G02B6/26—Optical coupling means
- G02B6/35—Optical coupling means having switching means
- G02B6/3564—Mechanical details of the actuation mechanism associated with the moving element or mounting mechanism details
- G02B6/3582—Housing means or package or arranging details of the switching elements, e.g. for thermal isolation
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G02—OPTICS
- G02B—OPTICAL ELEMENTS, SYSTEMS OR APPARATUS
- G02B6/00—Light guides; Structural details of arrangements comprising light guides and other optical elements, e.g. couplings
- G02B6/24—Coupling light guides
- G02B6/26—Optical coupling means
- G02B6/35—Optical coupling means having switching means
- G02B6/351—Optical coupling means having switching means involving stationary waveguides with moving interposed optical elements
- G02B6/3512—Optical coupling means having switching means involving stationary waveguides with moving interposed optical elements the optical element being reflective, e.g. mirror
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G02—OPTICS
- G02B—OPTICAL ELEMENTS, SYSTEMS OR APPARATUS
- G02B6/00—Light guides; Structural details of arrangements comprising light guides and other optical elements, e.g. couplings
- G02B6/24—Coupling light guides
- G02B6/26—Optical coupling means
- G02B6/35—Optical coupling means having switching means
- G02B6/354—Switching arrangements, i.e. number of input/output ports and interconnection types
- G02B6/3554—3D constellations, i.e. with switching elements and switched beams located in a volume
- G02B6/3556—NxM switch, i.e. regular arrays of switches elements of matrix type constellation
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G02—OPTICS
- G02B—OPTICAL ELEMENTS, SYSTEMS OR APPARATUS
- G02B6/00—Light guides; Structural details of arrangements comprising light guides and other optical elements, e.g. couplings
- G02B6/24—Coupling light guides
- G02B6/26—Optical coupling means
- G02B6/35—Optical coupling means having switching means
- G02B6/3564—Mechanical details of the actuation mechanism associated with the moving element or mounting mechanism details
- G02B6/3568—Mechanical details of the actuation mechanism associated with the moving element or mounting mechanism details characterised by the actuating force
Definitions
- the present invention relates to fiber optic communications, and more particularly, to an optical switching device for switching an optical signal in a fiber optic communication system between two or more channels.
- Fiber optic cables are used to carry voice, video, and other data signals transmitted as light beams in communications networks. Similar to communication networks using copper wire as the carrier for electronic signals, fiber optic cable lines are interconnected to each other through switches positioned at various locations throughout the communications network. To achieve all-optical routing and rerouting of the communications signals, optical matrix switches or M ⁇ N crossbar switches are used. All-optical switches should not to be confused with other switching technologies that first convert the optical signals to electrical signals, perform the required routing, and then convert the electrical signals back to optical signals.
- U.S. Pat. No. 6,009,219 to Doyle entitled “Optical Beam Switching Device” discloses an optical switching apparatus that uses a solid refractive switching body for selectively coupling first and second optical channels.
- the solid refractive switching body is moved to position first and second refractive faces adjacent the first and second optical channels.
- an optical switch includes reflective panels which either permit the light beam to travel in a first direction or redirect the light beam from the first direction to a second direction.
- WDM wavelength division multiplexing
- a fiber optic switch including a plurality of optical inputs and a plurality of optical outputs carried by a support.
- the switch includes a first plurality of rotatable reflectors each being associated with a respective optical input, and a second plurality of rotatable reflectors each being associated with a respective optical output.
- a plurality of reflector drivers directs selected pairs of the first and second plurality of rotatable reflectors to define respective paths between the optical inputs and the optical outputs.
- Each of the plurality of optical inputs and outputs may comprise a lens, an optical connector and an optical fiber.
- the lens may be a gradient index micro lens, although a broader range of wavelength operability may be realized with specifically designed achromatic micro lenses.
- the optical input and output lenses are substantially indistinguishable and tailored by manufacture to efficiently transfer a substantially collimated beam of light between the two lenses.
- the invention takes great advantage of the fact that free-space propagating optical beams may cross paths without interference.
- each of the first and second plurality of rotatable reflectors may comprise a rotatable mirror
- each of the plurality of reflector drivers may comprise a motor, such as a micro-electro-mechanical (MEMs) motor for compactness.
- MEMs micro-electro-mechanical
- the ultimate compactness of the invention is primarily limited only by the size of the motors that rotate the mirrors, which may vary over time with the state of motor technology.
- latchable motors may reduce or eliminate the need for electrical power consumption during static operation.
- the switch may also include a controller for controlling the plurality of reflector drivers to produce desired routing paths between optical inputs and outputs.
- the plurality of optical inputs and outputs are preferably positioned on the support in a substantially circular pattern.
- the support may comprise a first support portion for supporting the plurality of optical inputs in a substantially semi-circular pattern, and a second support portion, adjacent the first support portion, for supporting the plurality of optical outputs in a substantially semi-circular pattern.
- a method of routing light signals in a fiber optic communication system including a plurality of optical inputs and a plurality of optical outputs.
- the method includes providing a plurality of rotatable reflectors each being associated with a respective one of the plurality of optical inputs and outputs, and directing pairs of rotatable reflectors to define respective paths between the optical inputs and the optical outputs.
- Directing respective rotatable reflectors may comprise rotating the rotatable reflectors with a motor, and the plurality of rotatable reflectors are preferably positioned in a substantially circular pattern.
- Providing the plurality of rotatable reflectors may comprise positioning the rotatable reflectors associated with the plurality of optical inputs in a substantially semi-circular pattern, and positioning the rotatable reflectors associated with the plurality of optical outputs in a substantially semi-circular pattern adjacent to the rotatable reflectors associated with the optical inputs.
- the fiber optic switch and method of the present invention provide an increase in channel density, a reduction in the size, lower insertion loss, a broad range of wavelength performance, higher reliability, and a reduction in static power consumption.
- FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of an optical communication system including a fiber optic switch in accordance with the present invention.
- FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional schematic diagram illustrating the fiber optic switch in accordance with the present invention.
- FIG. 3 is schematic diagram illustrating the pattern of fiber optic channels of the fiber optic switch of FIG. 2 .
- an optical communication system 4 includes networks 6 being generally (but not exclusively) connected for mutual communication via a plurality of wavelength division multiplexers (WDMs) 8 and an M ⁇ N fiber optic switch 10 .
- WDMs wavelength division multiplexers
- M ⁇ N fiber optic switch 10 the fiber optic switch 10 in accordance with the present invention will be described.
- the fiber optic switch 10 is an all-optical matrix switch or M ⁇ N crossbar switch for use in such fiber optic communication systems 4 .
- the switch 10 includes a support or frame 12 for supporting a plurality of optical outputs 19 A, and a plurality of optical inputs 19 B.
- the support may include a first support portion 11 A for supporting the plurality of optical outputs 19 A in a semi-circular pattern, and a second support portion 11 B for supporting the plurality of optical inputs 19 B in a preferred semi-circular pattern adjacent the plurality of optical inputs.
- the plurality of optical inputs and outputs are arranged in a preferred substantially circular pattern as shown to minimize the variation in path distances and to improve the line-of-sight between all possible routings. This in turn serves to maximize the number of channels that may be connected via the fiber optic switch 10 and thereby increase the channel density thereof.
- Other patterns such as a substantially linear pattern, may also be used depending on the requirements of a specific application.
- Each of the optical outputs 19 A and inputs 19 B may include a collimating micro lens 20 , an optical connector 22 , and a fiber optic cable 24 .
- the lenses 20 , connectors 22 and cables 24 are well known to the skilled artisan.
- the lenses 20 are gradient index (GRIN) micro-lenses which are widely used in fiber optic components such as switches, splitters, isolators, WDMs, and circulators as would be appreciated by the skilled artisan.
- the lenses 20 may be a gradient index micro lens, although a broader range of wavelength operability may be realized with specifically designed achromatic micro lenses.
- the optical input and output lenses 20 are substantially indistinguishable and tailored by manufacture to efficiently transfer a substantially collimated beam of light between the two lenses.
- the invention takes great advantage of the fact that free-space propagating optical beams may cross paths without interference.
- the switch 10 also includes a first plurality of rotatable reflectors 18 A each being associated with one of the plurality of optical outputs 19 A, and a second plurality of rotatable reflectors 18 B each being associated with one of the plurality of optical inputs 19 B.
- the rotatable reflectors 18 A and 18 B are preferably mirrors as would be appreciated by the skilled artisan.
- the rotatable reflectors 18 A and 18 B are driven by motors 14 via drive shafts 16 .
- the reflectors 18 A and 18 B may be formed by beveling, polishing, and depositing a highly reflective layer to the shaft 16 of the motor 14 itself.
- the motors 14 may be stepper motors and/or the rotatable reflectors 18 A and 18 B may include a position locating mechanism (e.g. a detent or stop) to aid in the control of the rotatable reflectors.
- the motors 14 may also be micro-electromechanical system (MEMS) motors to further reduce the size of the switch 10 .
- the motors 14 are directed by a controller 26 to rotate selected pairs of the reflectors 18 A and 18 B and direct light in a desired direction to define respective routing paths between the optical outputs 19 A and the optical inputs 19 B.
- MEMS micro-electromechanical system
- a path may be defined between an optical output 19 A 1 and a optical input 19 B 1 by directing respective reflectors 18 A and 18 B at each other.
- a light signal may be transmitted through the optical fiber 24 , the optical connector 22 and the lens 20 of the optical inputs 19 B 1 . Then the light signal is reflected by the associated rotatable reflector 18 B towards another rotatable reflector 18 A of the desired optical output 19 A 1 .
- the reflector 18 A reflects the light signal towards the lens 20 and through the optical connector 22 and the fiber optic cable 24 of the optical output 19 A 1 .
- the associated free-space optical beam path so swept in space defines a unique plane.
- the collimated optical beam will generally sweep across several of the second plurality of reflectors 18 A associated with outputs.
- the concern of unwanted optical coupling, or crosstalk, to other outputs during this operation is substantially negated by the high directional selectivity of the micro lenses 20 that couple light from the output reflectors 18 A into the associated output fiber 24 . Therefore, re-routing may be performed arbitrarily with regard to the location and quantity of paths being configured and without regard of interference to paths remaining static.
- the fiber optic switch 10 as described above has increased channel density and a corresponding reduction in size, better performance with higher reliability, and reduced static power consumption.
- the fiber optic communication system includes a plurality of optical outputs 19 A and a plurality of optical inputs 19 B.
- the method includes providing a plurality of rotatable reflectors 18 A and 18 B each being associated with one of the respective optical outputs 19 A and inputs 19 B, and directing pairs of rotatable reflectors to define respective paths between the optical inputs and the optical outputs.
- a light signal is transmitted through one of the plurality of optical inputs 19 B, reflected by an associated rotatable reflector 18 B towards a desired rotatable reflector 18 A, and then reflected to the respective one of the plurality of optical outputs 19 A.
- Directing respective rotatable reflectors 18 A and 18 B may include rotating the rotatable reflectors with a motor 14 via shaft 16 .
- the plurality of rotatable reflectors 18 A and 18 B are preferably, but not necessarily, positioned in a substantially circular pattern.
- the rotatable reflectors 18 A associated with the plurality of optical outputs 19 A may be positioned in a substantially semi-circular pattern
- the rotatable reflectors 18 B associated with the plurality of optical inputs 19 B may be positioned in a substantially semi-circular pattern adjacent to the rotatable reflectors associated with the optical outputs.
- the number of outputs 19 A and inputs 19 B that may be connected via the fiber optic switch 10 is maximized and the channel density of the switch is thereby increased.
- the described method of the present invention provides an increase in channel density, a reduction in the size of the switch 10 , better performance with higher reliability, and reduced static power consumption.
Landscapes
- Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- Optics & Photonics (AREA)
- Mechanical Light Control Or Optical Switches (AREA)
- Push-Button Switches (AREA)
- Keying Circuit Devices (AREA)
Priority Applications (10)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US09/657,724 US6418247B1 (en) | 2000-09-08 | 2000-09-08 | Fiber optic switch and associated methods |
PCT/US2001/027706 WO2002021190A2 (en) | 2000-09-08 | 2001-09-07 | Fiber optic switch and associated methods |
DE60140475T DE60140475D1 (de) | 2000-09-08 | 2001-09-07 | Faseroptischer schalter und zugehörige verfahren |
KR1020037003321A KR100815382B1 (ko) | 2000-09-08 | 2001-09-07 | 광섬유 스위치 |
AU2001292577A AU2001292577A1 (en) | 2000-09-08 | 2001-09-07 | Fiber optic switch and associated methods |
JP2002524750A JP3754023B2 (ja) | 2000-09-08 | 2001-09-07 | 光ファイバスイッチ及び関連する方法 |
AT01972946T ATE448500T1 (de) | 2000-09-08 | 2001-09-07 | Faseroptischer schalter und zugehörige verfahren |
CA002419971A CA2419971C (en) | 2000-09-08 | 2001-09-07 | Fiber optic switch and associated methods |
EP01972946A EP1337887B1 (en) | 2000-09-08 | 2001-09-07 | Fiber optic switch and associated methods |
NO20030836A NO20030836L (no) | 2000-09-08 | 2003-02-24 | Fiberoptisk bryter og tilhörende fremgangsmåter |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US09/657,724 US6418247B1 (en) | 2000-09-08 | 2000-09-08 | Fiber optic switch and associated methods |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
US6418247B1 true US6418247B1 (en) | 2002-07-09 |
Family
ID=24638416
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US09/657,724 Expired - Lifetime US6418247B1 (en) | 2000-09-08 | 2000-09-08 | Fiber optic switch and associated methods |
Country Status (10)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (1) | US6418247B1 (ko) |
EP (1) | EP1337887B1 (ko) |
JP (1) | JP3754023B2 (ko) |
KR (1) | KR100815382B1 (ko) |
AT (1) | ATE448500T1 (ko) |
AU (1) | AU2001292577A1 (ko) |
CA (1) | CA2419971C (ko) |
DE (1) | DE60140475D1 (ko) |
NO (1) | NO20030836L (ko) |
WO (1) | WO2002021190A2 (ko) |
Cited By (12)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20030174958A1 (en) * | 2002-03-13 | 2003-09-18 | Network Photonics, Inc. | One-to-M wavelength routing element |
US20040070813A1 (en) * | 2002-10-11 | 2004-04-15 | Aubuchon Christopher M. | Micromirror systems with electrodes configured for sequential mirror attraction |
US20040070040A1 (en) * | 2002-10-11 | 2004-04-15 | Aubuchon Christopher M. | Micromirror systems with side-supported mirrors and concealed flexure members |
US20040070815A1 (en) * | 2002-10-11 | 2004-04-15 | Aubuchon Christopher M. | Micromirror systems with open support structures |
US20040165250A1 (en) * | 2003-02-24 | 2004-08-26 | Aubuchon Christopher M. | Multi-tilt micromirror systems with concealed hinge structures |
US20040165249A1 (en) * | 2003-02-24 | 2004-08-26 | Aubuchon Christopher M. | Micromirror systems with concealed multi-piece hinge structures |
KR100452408B1 (ko) * | 2002-04-30 | 2004-10-12 | 노바옵틱스 (주) | 광스위칭장치 |
US6859581B1 (en) | 2003-04-02 | 2005-02-22 | Process Instruments, Inc. | Optical fiber multiplexer for Raman spectroscopy |
US20050041910A1 (en) * | 2003-02-19 | 2005-02-24 | Will Peter M. | Constructing the base pair of light directors |
US20050276540A1 (en) * | 2002-02-14 | 2005-12-15 | Fernando C J A | Fiber-optic channel selecting apparatus |
FR2888341A1 (fr) * | 2005-07-08 | 2007-01-12 | Commissariat Energie Atomique | Dispositif de commutation optique ameliore |
US20100046884A1 (en) * | 2008-08-19 | 2010-02-25 | Olympus Corporation | System and method for asymmetrical fiber spacing for wavelength selective switches |
Families Citing this family (1)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
KR100688982B1 (ko) * | 2005-08-04 | 2007-03-08 | 삼성전자주식회사 | 광학 멀티플렉서 |
Citations (16)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
JPS5584903A (en) | 1978-12-20 | 1980-06-26 | Fujitsu Ltd | Photo switching device |
US4378144A (en) | 1980-12-22 | 1983-03-29 | Northern Telecom Limited | Optical switch |
JPS5872108A (ja) | 1981-10-24 | 1983-04-30 | Mitsubishi Electric Corp | 光回路装置 |
DE3147874A1 (de) | 1981-12-03 | 1983-06-30 | Felten & Guilleaume Fernmeldeanlagen GmbH, 8500 Nürnberg | Optische koppeleinrichtung |
DE3147873A1 (de) | 1981-12-03 | 1983-06-30 | Felten & Guilleaume Fernmeldeanlagen GmbH, 8500 Nürnberg | Optische vermittlungseinrichtung |
US4580873A (en) | 1983-12-30 | 1986-04-08 | At&T Bell Laboratories | Optical matrix switch |
DE3439905A1 (de) | 1984-10-31 | 1986-04-30 | Siemens AG, 1000 Berlin und 8000 München | Drehschalter fuer lichtwellenleiter |
FR2581204A1 (fr) | 1985-04-29 | 1986-10-31 | Thomson Csf Mat Tel | Selecteur optique 1 par n a commande mecanique, pour fibres multimodes |
US4989932A (en) | 1989-03-03 | 1991-02-05 | Lt Industries | Multiplexer for use with a device for optically analyzing a sample |
JPH04216291A (ja) | 1990-12-14 | 1992-08-06 | Nippon Telegr & Teleph Corp <Ntt> | マトリクスボ一ド |
US5481631A (en) | 1994-02-25 | 1996-01-02 | The Perkin-Elmer Corp. | Optical switching apparatus with retroreflector |
US5841917A (en) | 1997-01-31 | 1998-11-24 | Hewlett-Packard Company | Optical cross-connect switch using a pin grid actuator |
US5960132A (en) | 1997-09-09 | 1999-09-28 | At&T Corp. | Fiber-optic free-space micromachined matrix switches |
US6009219A (en) | 1996-04-08 | 1999-12-28 | Axiom Analytical Incorporated | Optical beam switching device |
US6259835B1 (en) * | 1999-10-12 | 2001-07-10 | Primawave Photonics, Inc. | Mechanically actuated optical switch |
US6275626B1 (en) * | 1998-10-26 | 2001-08-14 | Herzel Laor | 1xN reflector switch |
Family Cites Families (7)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
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JPS5587107A (en) * | 1978-12-23 | 1980-07-01 | Fujitsu Ltd | Photo switch |
JPH0830787B2 (ja) * | 1987-10-16 | 1996-03-27 | 日本電信電話株式会社 | 光ファイバコネクタ |
JP2617054B2 (ja) * | 1991-10-18 | 1997-06-04 | 日本電信電話株式会社 | 光接続モジュール |
IL140031A0 (en) * | 1998-06-05 | 2002-02-10 | Astarte Fiber Networks Inc | Planar array optical switch and method |
US6798992B1 (en) * | 1999-11-10 | 2004-09-28 | Agere Systems Inc. | Method and device for optically crossconnecting optical signals using tilting mirror MEMS with drift monitoring feature |
EP1102096B1 (en) * | 1999-11-17 | 2005-03-23 | Lucent Technologies Inc. | Optical crossconnect using tilting mirror MEMS array |
US6516109B2 (en) * | 2000-05-30 | 2003-02-04 | Siwave, Inc. | Low insertion loss non-blocking optical switch |
-
2000
- 2000-09-08 US US09/657,724 patent/US6418247B1/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
-
2001
- 2001-09-07 EP EP01972946A patent/EP1337887B1/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
- 2001-09-07 WO PCT/US2001/027706 patent/WO2002021190A2/en active Application Filing
- 2001-09-07 JP JP2002524750A patent/JP3754023B2/ja not_active Expired - Fee Related
- 2001-09-07 AU AU2001292577A patent/AU2001292577A1/en not_active Abandoned
- 2001-09-07 CA CA002419971A patent/CA2419971C/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
- 2001-09-07 AT AT01972946T patent/ATE448500T1/de not_active IP Right Cessation
- 2001-09-07 DE DE60140475T patent/DE60140475D1/de not_active Expired - Lifetime
- 2001-09-07 KR KR1020037003321A patent/KR100815382B1/ko not_active IP Right Cessation
-
2003
- 2003-02-24 NO NO20030836A patent/NO20030836L/no not_active Application Discontinuation
Patent Citations (16)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
JPS5584903A (en) | 1978-12-20 | 1980-06-26 | Fujitsu Ltd | Photo switching device |
US4378144A (en) | 1980-12-22 | 1983-03-29 | Northern Telecom Limited | Optical switch |
JPS5872108A (ja) | 1981-10-24 | 1983-04-30 | Mitsubishi Electric Corp | 光回路装置 |
DE3147874A1 (de) | 1981-12-03 | 1983-06-30 | Felten & Guilleaume Fernmeldeanlagen GmbH, 8500 Nürnberg | Optische koppeleinrichtung |
DE3147873A1 (de) | 1981-12-03 | 1983-06-30 | Felten & Guilleaume Fernmeldeanlagen GmbH, 8500 Nürnberg | Optische vermittlungseinrichtung |
US4580873A (en) | 1983-12-30 | 1986-04-08 | At&T Bell Laboratories | Optical matrix switch |
DE3439905A1 (de) | 1984-10-31 | 1986-04-30 | Siemens AG, 1000 Berlin und 8000 München | Drehschalter fuer lichtwellenleiter |
FR2581204A1 (fr) | 1985-04-29 | 1986-10-31 | Thomson Csf Mat Tel | Selecteur optique 1 par n a commande mecanique, pour fibres multimodes |
US4989932A (en) | 1989-03-03 | 1991-02-05 | Lt Industries | Multiplexer for use with a device for optically analyzing a sample |
JPH04216291A (ja) | 1990-12-14 | 1992-08-06 | Nippon Telegr & Teleph Corp <Ntt> | マトリクスボ一ド |
US5481631A (en) | 1994-02-25 | 1996-01-02 | The Perkin-Elmer Corp. | Optical switching apparatus with retroreflector |
US6009219A (en) | 1996-04-08 | 1999-12-28 | Axiom Analytical Incorporated | Optical beam switching device |
US5841917A (en) | 1997-01-31 | 1998-11-24 | Hewlett-Packard Company | Optical cross-connect switch using a pin grid actuator |
US5960132A (en) | 1997-09-09 | 1999-09-28 | At&T Corp. | Fiber-optic free-space micromachined matrix switches |
US6275626B1 (en) * | 1998-10-26 | 2001-08-14 | Herzel Laor | 1xN reflector switch |
US6259835B1 (en) * | 1999-10-12 | 2001-07-10 | Primawave Photonics, Inc. | Mechanically actuated optical switch |
Cited By (24)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US7151869B2 (en) * | 2002-02-14 | 2006-12-19 | Varian, Inc. | Fiber-optic channel selecting apparatus |
US20050276540A1 (en) * | 2002-02-14 | 2005-12-15 | Fernando C J A | Fiber-optic channel selecting apparatus |
US20030174958A1 (en) * | 2002-03-13 | 2003-09-18 | Network Photonics, Inc. | One-to-M wavelength routing element |
US6959132B2 (en) * | 2002-03-13 | 2005-10-25 | Pts Corporation | One-to-M wavelength routing element |
KR100452408B1 (ko) * | 2002-04-30 | 2004-10-12 | 노바옵틱스 (주) | 광스위칭장치 |
US6798560B2 (en) | 2002-10-11 | 2004-09-28 | Exajoula, Llc | Micromirror systems with open support structures |
US20040070815A1 (en) * | 2002-10-11 | 2004-04-15 | Aubuchon Christopher M. | Micromirror systems with open support structures |
US7518781B2 (en) | 2002-10-11 | 2009-04-14 | Exajoule Llc | Micromirror systems with electrodes configured for sequential mirror attraction |
US20070081225A1 (en) * | 2002-10-11 | 2007-04-12 | Aubuchon Christopher M | Micromirror systems with electrodes configured for sequential mirror attraction |
US6825968B2 (en) | 2002-10-11 | 2004-11-30 | Exajoule, Llc | Micromirror systems with electrodes configured for sequential mirror attraction |
US20040070813A1 (en) * | 2002-10-11 | 2004-04-15 | Aubuchon Christopher M. | Micromirror systems with electrodes configured for sequential mirror attraction |
US6870659B2 (en) | 2002-10-11 | 2005-03-22 | Exajoule, Llc | Micromirror systems with side-supported mirrors and concealed flexure members |
US20040070040A1 (en) * | 2002-10-11 | 2004-04-15 | Aubuchon Christopher M. | Micromirror systems with side-supported mirrors and concealed flexure members |
US20050041910A1 (en) * | 2003-02-19 | 2005-02-24 | Will Peter M. | Constructing the base pair of light directors |
US7130501B2 (en) * | 2003-02-19 | 2006-10-31 | Will Peter M | Meso-scale strictly non-blocking N×N optical crossbar switch using precision servo controls |
US6906848B2 (en) | 2003-02-24 | 2005-06-14 | Exajoule, Llc | Micromirror systems with concealed multi-piece hinge structures |
US20040165249A1 (en) * | 2003-02-24 | 2004-08-26 | Aubuchon Christopher M. | Micromirror systems with concealed multi-piece hinge structures |
US6900922B2 (en) | 2003-02-24 | 2005-05-31 | Exajoule, Llc | Multi-tilt micromirror systems with concealed hinge structures |
US20040165250A1 (en) * | 2003-02-24 | 2004-08-26 | Aubuchon Christopher M. | Multi-tilt micromirror systems with concealed hinge structures |
US20040190817A1 (en) * | 2003-02-24 | 2004-09-30 | Exajoule Llc | Multi-tilt micromirror systems with concealed hinge structures |
US6859581B1 (en) | 2003-04-02 | 2005-02-22 | Process Instruments, Inc. | Optical fiber multiplexer for Raman spectroscopy |
FR2888341A1 (fr) * | 2005-07-08 | 2007-01-12 | Commissariat Energie Atomique | Dispositif de commutation optique ameliore |
US20100046884A1 (en) * | 2008-08-19 | 2010-02-25 | Olympus Corporation | System and method for asymmetrical fiber spacing for wavelength selective switches |
US7826697B2 (en) * | 2008-08-19 | 2010-11-02 | Olympus Corporation | System and method for asymmetrical fiber spacing for wavelength selective switches |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
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WO2002021190A2 (en) | 2002-03-14 |
EP1337887A2 (en) | 2003-08-27 |
NO20030836D0 (no) | 2003-02-24 |
CA2419971A1 (en) | 2002-03-14 |
KR20040004373A (ko) | 2004-01-13 |
KR100815382B1 (ko) | 2008-03-20 |
AU2001292577A1 (en) | 2002-03-22 |
JP3754023B2 (ja) | 2006-03-08 |
CA2419971C (en) | 2008-11-18 |
JP2004519703A (ja) | 2004-07-02 |
DE60140475D1 (de) | 2009-12-24 |
EP1337887B1 (en) | 2009-11-11 |
ATE448500T1 (de) | 2009-11-15 |
NO20030836L (no) | 2003-05-06 |
WO2002021190A3 (en) | 2003-01-09 |
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